Harden enjoys a win after wild All-Star weekend

Playing a week after suffering an ankle injury that kept him out of the Rockets’ last game before the break, Harden was on the floor for 26 minutes. ( James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle )

James Harden’s first All-Star Game highlight Sunday night was a blast from his past, followed by a long-range shooting exhibition that Rockets fans hope will represent his future.

Harden, the Rockets guard obtained from Oklahoma City before the season, linked up with former Thunder teammate Russell Westbrook for a textbook lob/slam combination during the first quarter of Sunday night’s All-Star Game at Toyota Center.

In the third quarter, he added a pair of 3-pointers to help the Western Conference All-Stars stretch their lead in a 143-138 win over the East, then added another 3-pointer in the opening minutes of the fourth.

Playing a week after suffering an ankle injury that kept him out of the Rockets’ last game before the break, Harden was on the floor for 25:50, scoring 15 points on 6 of 13 shooting, including 3 of 8 on 3-pointers, with three assists and six rebounds.

His 15 points were the most a Rockets player has scored in an All-Star Game since Tracy McGrady’s 36 in the 2006 game at Toyota Center.

“It felt good to go out there and play with all these great players for my first time,” he said. “I tried to make as many shots as possible. I couldn’t make a layup, but I had a couple of 3s.”

With the game in question, he was on the floor down the stretch with former teammate Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul as the West held on for the win.

“We talked to him about his ankle,” said West coach Gregg Popovich of the Spurs. “He felt it was no problem, and we tried to get him a little extra time here in Houston.”

Harden said his ankle was in good shape and that he enjoyed with entire scope of the weekend.

“Being in Houston, all the fun times, the laughs, the NBA Cares events, the Saturday night appearances, meeting people, and the game summed it up,” he said.

Durant, the former University of Texas standout who had a game-high 30 points, said he enjoyed being back on the floor with Harden.

“It was fun. Playing with him made me miss him a little bit in OKC,” said Durant. “But I’m happy he’s an All-Star, especially in the city where he plays. It was a lot of fun. I didn’t want it to be over.”

Harden said he misses his old teammates, too, but enjoyed the chance to spend time with them in practice and at Friday’s charity events.

“When you leave someone, you’re definitely going to miss them,” he said. “This weekend, it was good to see each other and catch up on good times.”

He also praised Popovich’s approach to the game adding, “He said ‘Don’t treat this like an All-Star Game. Go out and try to win. You’re in the middle of the season and don’t want to create any bad habits.’”

The game was the capper of a busy break for Harden, who joined his mother, Monja Willis, on Friday for a volunteer stint at the Houston Food Bank and was a coach during Friday night’s celebrity game.

Today, it’s likely back to rehab work on the ankle as he prepares for the Rockets’ next game Wednesday night at home against, coincidentally, the Thunder as All-Star teammates Westbrook and Durant morph back into opponents once more.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Chronicle

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West 143, East 138

Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers holds up the game's MVP trophy.

West 143, East 138

Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers holds up the game's MVP trophy.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Chronicle

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James Harden of the Houston Rockets celebrates after hitting a three-point shot during the second half.

James Harden of the Houston Rockets celebrates after hitting a three-point shot during the second half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers gets tangled with Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half.

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers gets tangled with Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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James Harden of the Houston Rockets puts up a shot during the first half.

James Harden of the Houston Rockets puts up a shot during the first half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Dwight Howard of the Los Angeles Lakers (12) wins the opening tipoff of the NBA All-Star Game from Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics (5) at the Toyota Center on Sunday.

Dwight Howard of the Los Angeles Lakers (12) wins the opening tipoff of the NBA All-Star Game from Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics (5) at the Toyota Center on Sunday.

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Chronicle

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Rockets guard James Harden throws up a H-town symbol after hitting a three pointer during the second half of Sunday's NBA All-Star Game at Toyota Center.

Rockets guard James Harden throws up a H-town symbol after hitting a three pointer during the second half of Sunday's NBA All-Star Game at Toyota Center.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Chronicle

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Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers dunks over Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics during the first half.

Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers dunks over Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics during the first half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Ne-Yo performs before the NBA All-Start Game.

Ne-Yo performs before the NBA All-Start Game.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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LeBron James has his shot blocked by Kobe Bryant during the second half.

LeBron James has his shot blocked by Kobe Bryant during the second half.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Chronicle

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Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers (32) goes up for a dunk as Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks (7) falls out of the way during the first half.

Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers (32) goes up for a dunk as Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks (7) falls out of the way during the first half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat (1) drives over Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers (32) during the first half.

Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat (1) drives over Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers (32) during the first half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder (0) goes up for a layup during the first half.

Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder (0) goes up for a layup during the first half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers dunks the ball during the first half.

Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers dunks the ball during the first half.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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James Harden of the Houston Rockets celebrates after making a basket during the second half.

James Harden of the Houston Rockets celebrates after making a basket during the second half.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder (35) dunks the ball over Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat (1) during the second half.

Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder (35) dunks the ball over Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat (1) during the second half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) goes for a layup over Jrue Holiday of the Philadelphia 76ers (11).

James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) goes for a layup over Jrue Holiday of the Philadelphia 76ers (11).

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) laughs with Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls (13).

James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) laughs with Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls (13).

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Tyson Chandler of the New York Knicks (6) goes up for a dunk.

Tyson Chandler of the New York Knicks (6) goes up for a dunk.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers plays with his daughter Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant during halftime.

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers plays with his daughter Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant during halftime.

Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks (7) hugs Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (24) and Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder (35) as they leave the court with g Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder (0) at the end of the first half. less

Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks (7) hugs Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (24) and Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder (35) as they leave the court with g Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma ... more

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers dunks the ball during the second half.

Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers dunks the ball during the second half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers (32) fights for a rebound with Luol Deng of the Chicago Bulls (9) and Brook Lopez of the Brooklyn Nets.

Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers (32) fights for a rebound with Luol Deng of the Chicago Bulls (9) and Brook Lopez of the Brooklyn Nets.

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers (3) knocks the ball away from Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls (13).

Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers (3) knocks the ball away from Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls (13).

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat (3) celebrates with Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat (1) during the first half.

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat (3) celebrates with Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat (1) during the first half.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers celebrates with the game MVP trophy.

Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers celebrates with the game MVP trophy.

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers celebrates with the game MVP trophy.

Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers celebrates with the game MVP trophy.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers celebrates with the game MVP trophy with his son Chris Paul II.

Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers celebrates with the game MVP trophy with his son Chris Paul II.

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers celebrates with the game MVP trophy with his son Chris Paul II.

Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers celebrates with the game MVP trophy with his son Chris Paul II.

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers celebrates with the game MVP trophy with his son Chris Paul II.

Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers celebrates with the game MVP trophy with his son Chris Paul II.

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder (35) knocks away a shot by Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks (7).

Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder (35) knocks away a shot by Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks (7).

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder (35) goes up for a dunk.

Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder (35) goes up for a dunk.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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LeBron James of the Miami Heat (6) drives past James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) during the second half.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat (6) drives past James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) during the second half.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (24), Tyson Chandler of the New York Knicks (6), Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers (2) and Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers (32).

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (24), Tyson Chandler of the New York Knicks (6), Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers (2) and Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers (32).

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks (7), LeBron James of the Miami Heat (6), Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat (1) and Tyson Chandler of the New York Knicks (6) laugh as the watch the video screen.

Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks (7), LeBron James of the Miami Heat (6), Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat (1) and Tyson Chandler of the New York Knicks (6) laugh as the watch the video screen.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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David Lee of the Golden State Warriors (10) drives to the basket as Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls (13) defends.

David Lee of the Golden State Warriors (10) drives to the basket as Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls (13) defends.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls (13) dunks the ball during the second half.

Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls (13) dunks the ball during the second half.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks the ball during the second half.

Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks the ball during the second half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks the ball during the second half.

Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks the ball during the second half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) drives past LeBron James of the Miami Heat (6).

James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) drives past LeBron James of the Miami Heat (6).

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers (32) dunks the ball during the first half.

Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers (32) dunks the ball during the first half.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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Alicia Keys performs at halftime.

Alicia Keys performs at halftime.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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Fans reach toward the stage as Alicia Keys performs at halftime.

Fans reach toward the stage as Alicia Keys performs at halftime.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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Alicia Keys performs at halftime.

Alicia Keys performs at halftime.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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Alicia Keys performs at halftime.

Alicia Keys performs at halftime.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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Alicia Keys performs during halftime.

Alicia Keys performs during halftime.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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Alicia Keys performs at halftime.

Alicia Keys performs at halftime.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) tries to get around Luol Deng of the Chicago Bulls (9) during the second half.

James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) tries to get around Luol Deng of the Chicago Bulls (9) during the second half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Tyson Chandler of the New York Knicks goes up for a dunk.

Tyson Chandler of the New York Knicks goes up for a dunk.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat goes up for a layup .

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat goes up for a layup .

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder goes up for a dunk.

Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder goes up for a dunk.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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West head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs huddles his team.

West head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs huddles his team.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat (3) goes up for a dunk.

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat (3) goes up for a dunk.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) goes for a layup over Jrue Holiday of the Philadelphia 76ers (11).

James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) goes for a layup over Jrue Holiday of the Philadelphia 76ers (11).

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) puts up a shot during the first half .

James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) puts up a shot during the first half .

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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Paul George of the Indiana Pacers (24) goes up for a dunk.

Paul George of the Indiana Pacers (24) goes up for a dunk.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) brings the ball up the court as Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls (13) runs back to defend.

James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) brings the ball up the court as Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls (13) runs back to defend.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls (13) swats a shot by Zach Randolph of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls (13) swats a shot by Zach Randolph of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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Jay-Z and Beyonce watch during the first half.

Jay-Z and Beyonce watch during the first half.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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East head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat huddles his team.

East head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat huddles his team.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers (2) drives to the basket during the first half.

Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers (2) drives to the basket during the first half.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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LeBron James of the Miami Heat goes up for a dunk.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat goes up for a dunk.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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Paul George of the Indiana Pacers (24) fights for a rebound with Zach Randolph of the Memphis Grizzlies (50) and Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs (21).

Paul George of the Indiana Pacers (24) fights for a rebound with Zach Randolph of the Memphis Grizzlies (50) and Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs (21).

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (24) shoots over Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers (2) during the first half.

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (24) shoots over Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers (2) during the first half.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder (35) goes up for a dunk during the first half.

Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder (35) goes up for a dunk during the first half.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat (3) drives to the basket as LeBron James of the Miami Heat (6) defends.

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat (3) drives to the basket as LeBron James of the Miami Heat (6) defends.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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LeBron James of the Miami Heat (6) goes up for a dunk during the first half.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat (6) goes up for a dunk during the first half.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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LeBron James of the Miami Heat (6) goes up for a dunk during the first half.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat (6) goes up for a dunk during the first half.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat (1), Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics (5) and Dwight Howard of the Los Angeles Lakers (12) fight for a rebound.

Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat (1), Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics (5) and Dwight Howard of the Los Angeles Lakers (12) fight for a rebound.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat (3) hugs Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (24) during the first half.

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat (3) hugs Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (24) during the first half.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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James Harden of the Houston Rockets is introduced before the game.

James Harden of the Houston Rockets is introduced before the game.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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James Harden of the Houston Rockets is introduced before the NBA All-Star Game.

James Harden of the Houston Rockets is introduced before the NBA All-Star Game.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs is introduced before the NBA All-Star Game.

Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs is introduced before the NBA All-Star Game.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers is introduced before the NBA All-Star Game.

Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers is introduced before the NBA All-Star Game.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat (6) has his shot blocked by Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (24) during the second half.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat (6) has his shot blocked by Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (24) during the second half.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Chronicle

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Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder gets a layup during the second half.

Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder gets a layup during the second half.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Chronicle

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LeBron James his shot blocked by Kobe Bryant during the second half.

LeBron James his shot blocked by Kobe Bryant during the second half.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Chronicle

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Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder flies for a dunk as Tyson Chandler of the New York Knicks (6) attempts to defend during the second half.

Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder flies for a dunk as Tyson Chandler of the New York Knicks (6) attempts to defend during the second half.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Chronicle

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Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers (32) gets an open dunk during the second half.

Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers (32) gets an open dunk during the second half.

Photo: Billy Smith II / Chronicle

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James Harden drives to the hoop past Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls (13) during the second half.

James Harden drives to the hoop past Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls (13) during the second half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs (9) tries to get around Paul George of the Indiana Pacers (24) during the second half.

Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs (9) tries to get around Paul George of the Indiana Pacers (24) during the second half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder (0) goes to the basket against Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat (3) during the second half.

Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder (0) goes to the basket against Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat (3) during the second half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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LeBron James of the Miami Heat (6) brings the ball up the floor during the first half.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat (6) brings the ball up the floor during the first half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (24) passes behind his back to Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers (32) during the second half.

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (24) passes behind his back to Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers (32) during the second half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) puts up a shot during the first half.

James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) puts up a shot during the first half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder (35) goes up for a dunk during the first half.

Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder (35) goes up for a dunk during the first half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers (32) goes up for a dunk during the first half.

Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers (32) goes up for a dunk during the first half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Paul George of the Indiana Pacers (24) shoots over James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) during the first half.

Paul George of the Indiana Pacers (24) shoots over James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) during the first half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) takes the floor after a timeout during the first half.

James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) takes the floor after a timeout during the first half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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LeBron James of the Miami Heat (6) laughs during the first half.

LeBron James of the Miami Heat (6) laughs during the first half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Albert Morena, left, of Houston waits for Justin Arriazola of Houston to put on his new All-Star jacket after they brought souvenirs during the NBA All-Star Game at the Toyota Center on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, in Houston. Both are members of the Houston Rockets Red Rowdies fan group and Justin wears the monkey mask to the Rockets game. ( Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle ) less

Albert Morena, left, of Houston waits for Justin Arriazola of Houston to put on his new All-Star jacket after they brought souvenirs during the NBA All-Star Game at the Toyota Center on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, ... more

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Chronicle

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Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas waves to a tv camera during the first half of the NBA All-Star Game at the Toyota Center on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, in Houston. ( James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle )

Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas waves to a tv camera during the first half of the NBA All-Star Game at the Toyota Center on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, in Houston. ( James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Spike Lee chats with Sean Combs during the first half of the NBA All-Star Game at the Toyota Center on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, in Houston. ( James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle )

Spike Lee chats with Sean Combs during the first half of the NBA All-Star Game at the Toyota Center on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, in Houston. ( James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Ethan Robins, 6, of Bellaire laughs during a skit performed at a break in the action at the NBA All-Star Game at the Toyota Center on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, in Houston. ( Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle )

Ethan Robins, 6, of Bellaire laughs during a skit performed at a break in the action at the NBA All-Star Game at the Toyota Center on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, in Houston. ( Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Chronicle

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Michael Meisel, left, of Baltimore and his son, Austin Meisel, 12, take a break at half-time of the NBA All-Star Game at the Toyota Center on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, in Houston. ( Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle ) less

Michael Meisel, left, of Baltimore and his son, Austin Meisel, 12, take a break at half-time of the NBA All-Star Game at the Toyota Center on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, in Houston. ( Melissa Phillip / Houston ... more

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Chronicle

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Nathan Cupps, 11, of Plainfield, IL cheers on the East Team during the second half of the NBA All-Star Game at the Toyota Center on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, in Houston. ( Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle )

Nathan Cupps, 11, of Plainfield, IL cheers on the East Team during the second half of the NBA All-Star Game at the Toyota Center on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, in Houston. ( Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Chronicle

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James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) drives to the basket during the first half.

James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) drives to the basket during the first half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder (35) goes up for a dunk during the first half.

Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder (35) goes up for a dunk during the first half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) goes for a layup during the first half.

James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) goes for a layup during the first half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls (13) swats a shot by Zach Randolph of the Memphis Grizzlies (50) during the first half.

Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls (13) swats a shot by Zach Randolph of the Memphis Grizzlies (50) during the first half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder (35) goes up for a dunk during the first half.

Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder (35) goes up for a dunk during the first half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) goes up for a layup over Brook Lopez of the Brooklyn Nets (11) during the first half.

James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) goes up for a layup over Brook Lopez of the Brooklyn Nets (11) during the first half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks (7) shoots over Dwight Howard of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half.

Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks (7) shoots over Dwight Howard of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat (1) and Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers (32) greet at mid court before the NBA All-Star Game.

Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat (1) and Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers (32) greet at mid court before the NBA All-Star Game.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (24) looks to pass during the first half.

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (24) looks to pass during the first half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Players walk the floor during the first half.

Players walk the floor during the first half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs (21) defends against Tyson Chandler of the New York Knicks (6) during the first half of the NBA All-Star Game at the Toyota Center on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, in Houston. ( James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle ) less

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs (21) defends against Tyson Chandler of the New York Knicks (6) during the first half of the NBA All-Star Game at the Toyota Center on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, in Houston. ( ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls (13) and Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs (21) prepare to rebound a foul shot during the first half.

Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls (13) and Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs (21) prepare to rebound a foul shot during the first half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls (13) swats a shot by Zach Randolph of the Memphis Grizzlies (50) during the first half.

Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls (13) swats a shot by Zach Randolph of the Memphis Grizzlies (50) during the first half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Yao Ming and Hakeem Olajuwon wave to the crowd during the first half.

Yao Ming and Hakeem Olajuwon wave to the crowd during the first half.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Zach Randolph of the Memphis Grizzlies (50), Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs (9), James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) and Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (24) wait during a timeout during the first half. less

Zach Randolph of the Memphis Grizzlies (50), Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs (9), James Harden of the Houston Rockets (13) and Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (24) wait during a timeout during the ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs (21), Zach Randolph of the Memphis Grizzlies (50) Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (24) and Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs (9) wait during a timeout during the first half. less

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs (21), Zach Randolph of the Memphis Grizzlies (50) Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers (24) and Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs (9) wait during a timeout during the ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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Singe John Legend performs the national anthem.

Singe John Legend performs the national anthem.

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Chronicle

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James Harden of the Houston Rockets is introduced before the NBA All-Star Game at the Toyota Center on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, in Houston. ( James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle )

James Harden of the Houston Rockets is introduced before the NBA All-Star Game at the Toyota Center on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, in Houston. ( James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle )